Alutiq for Spring Cup, but Purr along Non-runner
But the anticipated return to action of Purr Along at the Curragh on Sunday has been shelved following steady rain in Ireland.
The goal for Alutiq this weekend is a Listed race worth £45,000 and which has attracted a competitive field of 13. It should provide an ideal step towards the finals, which are being held on Friday, April 18, and involve £1,000,000 in prize money.
Jamie Spencer will don Qatar Racing's colours to ride the Eve Johnson-Houghton-trained filly, a three-year-old who landed a conditions race at Kempton on her most recent outing, in January. That was over six furlongs, but Johnson-Houghton told the Racing Post: "She has bags of toe, but I don't see the step up to seven furlongs being a hindrance. She gets weight from the boys, so that's a help, and I would be very hopeful on Saturday."
Assuming all goes smoothly her next target could be the £150,000 32Red.com Three-Year-Old Final, again over seven furlongs, at Lingfield on Finals Day, although Saturday's opposition includes some useful rivals. Expert, from Richard Hannon's stable, is top on official ratings with a mark of 99, one point ahead of the Mark Johnston-trained Bow Creek and William Haggas's Ertijaal, but all three are making their debut on an all-weather surface and concede Alutiq the 5lb fillies' allowance.
Ireland's turf season opens at the Curragh on Sunday, when Purr Along was a possible contender for the Gr.3 Lodge Park Stud EBF Park Express Stakes (3.40) over a mile.
December Sales' purchase Purr Along
However, steady rain has resulted in her new trainer, Johnny Murtagh, opting to give the race a miss.
Purr Along created a buzz at Tattersalls' December Sale when bought for 1,000,000gns by David Redvers Bloodstock on behalf of Qatar Racing and Newsells Park Stud. Now four, the daughter of Mount Nelson had been very smart at two for trainer Willie Muir, but an early-season muscle problem last year meant a rushed preparation to run at Royal Ascot, and after disappointing in the Gr.1 Coronation Stakes she did not fulfil her potential.
Sunday's Curragh card includes the Irish Lincolnshire (4.40), sponsored by The Tote, in whichChapter Seven could represent Pearl Bloodstock for trainer Ger Lyons.